How to Tell if Your Bird is Sick

Do you own a bird? If so, it’s up to you to determine when they’re not feeling well and require veterinary attention. Here, your Terre Haute, IN veterinarian gives you a crash course.

Ruffled Feathers

Yes, birds ruffle their feathers normally. However, they only keep the feathers ruffled for short periods. If you see your bird sitting with the feathers ruffled for longer than 24 hours, it’s time to let the vet know. This could be indicative of infection, disease, or other issues.

Cere Symptoms

Your bird’s cere is essentially their nose; it’s the area above the beak where the nostrils are housed. If you see discharge, crusts, inflammation, or anything else out of the ordinary around this area, tell your veterinarian.

Appetite Loss

It’s safe to say that a loss of appetite is an abnormal sign in any pet, birds included. Try to keep track of your bird’s food intake—if you notice they’re leaving more in the bowl than usual, it may be time to check with your veterinarian. Loss of appetite could mean anything from injury to illness, so a professional opinion is of the essence.